Back to Breath Matters
Breath Matters
The American Lung Association of California’s Monthly e-Newsletter
Improving Life, One Breath at a Time
To automatically connect with your nearest American Lung Association, or to speak with a nurse or respiratory therapist at our free HelpLine, call 800.LUNG.USA (800.586.4872).
September 28, 2006 Number 140
Content:
MONTHLY HEALTH TIP
Asthma Educators Can Prepare for Exam Get ready for the National Asthma Educator Certification Exam by attending the Asthma Educator Course October 19-20 in San Diego. For more information, call Luis Lechuga, luis [at] lungsandiego [dot] org or 619.683.8660.
FALL/WINTER BREATHE EASY INCLUDES FEATURE ON ‘AIR CLEANERS’
The Fall 2006/Winter 2007 issue of the American Lung Association of California’s Breathe Easy news magazine is arriving in mailboxes statewide and already it’s generating buzz. The cover story on air “cleaning” devices is prompting people to download the free ad/poster and call their nearest association to get more information.
The publication’s circulation is above 70,000 for the second consecutive issue, nearly double what it had been previously. The latest edition includes articles on Respiratory Rallies, lung cancer research, a volunteer with end-stage emphysema who has found a new lease on life by helping others, and an update on public policies that affect lung health. Also included are inspiring quotes from Asthma Walk participants.
To view the Fall 2006/Winter 2007 issue, visit http://www.californialung.org/media-center/lung-health-news/fall-2006-wi... For a list of harmful ozone-generating devices, visit www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone.htm
NEW EPA PARTICLE POLLUTION STANDARDS FAIL TO PROTECT HEALTH
The new particle pollution standards announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 21 fail to protect public health, despite the requirement in the Clean Air Act that they must. The American Lung Association issued a report earlier this month that estimated 4.5 million Californians could be left vulnerable under the weaker standards.
Thousands of studies, many funded by the EPA, unmistakably demonstrate that particulate matter is a dangerous air pollutant at levels well below those announced by the EPA. In its Clean Air Decision 2006 report, the American Lung Association analyzed the public health consequences of four different pairs of annual and daily standards, using EPA data from particle pollution monitors in counties nationwide from 2002-2004.
For the related news release and report link, visit http://californialung.org/press/060913EPA.html
For more information, contact Bonnie Holmes-Gen at 916.442.4446 or bhgen [at] alac [dot] org
GOVERNOR SIGNS LANDMARK GLOBAL WARMING LEGISLATION
The Governor signed landmark legislation (AB 32 Nunez/Pavley) aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The American Lung Association of California pushed hard for the bill, meeting with policymakers in Sacramento and throughout California, holding a legislative briefing for capitol staff, securing health professional petition signatures, writing a sign-on letter for statewide and regional release for medical organizations, and testifying at legislative hearings.
The final bill sets a firm 2020 cap on greenhouse gases and gives important new authority to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish and enforce emission-reduction measures to meet that cap. Under the bill, CARB will begin developing a list of “early action” measures to reduce global warming as soon as next year and will adopt additional regulations designed to bring the state into compliance with the 2020 cap by 2012.
For more information, contact Linda Weiner at 415.282.8871 or linwiner [at] earthlink [dot] net, or Bonnie Holmes-Gen at 916.442.4446 or bhgen [at] alac [dot] org.
ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER QUOTED IN ARTICLE ON 30-MINUTE TB TEST
Barbara Cole, RN, MSN, PHN, an American Lung Association of California volunteer and chair of its Tuberculosis Technical Advisory Group, was recently quoted in a San Jose Mercury News article on a Sunnyvale biotech company, Cepheid, that won a $3.3 million federal grant to develop a device that can tell within 30 minutes if a patient has tuberculosis (TB), far faster than current detection methods.
In many developing countries, she said, it's common for a patient to walk four hours to a clinic to get tested for the disease and then have to return many days later to find out the result. Many don't bother to go back and never learn they are infected.
"We lose a lot of patients that way," Cole said. "We do need a better diagnostic tool for TB. There is nothing right now that will tell you in 30 minutes."
LATINOS FACE HIGH RATES OF SECONDHAND SMOKE EXPOSURE
Despite 95 percent of Latino families banning smoking inside their apartments, the first-ever statewide survey of Latino renters showed high rates of exposure to drifting tobacco smoke, according to the Latino Renters Survey: Attitudes about Secondhand Smoke in Apartments, released by the Hispanic/Latino Tobacco Education Partnership and the American Lung Association of California’s Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing. The survey also showed overwhelming support for smoke-free apartment buildings and separate smoking sections.
To learn more, view the news release at http://californialung.org/press/060921LatinoRenters.html
FREEDOM FROM SMOKINGR FACILITATOR TRAINING SET FOR OCTOBER
Learn the skills necessary to teach the nationally recognized and highly successful 15-hour Freedom From SmokingR cessation program. The American Lung Association of California will hold the next Facilitator Training at the Oxford Suites Inn in Chico, October 12-13, for a cost of $350.
The training is open to healthcare professionals with experience in health education, group facilitation, substance abuse or public health outreach programs. A basic knowledge of health practices and group process is needed. The participant must be a nonsmoker or an ex-smoker for at least one year.
For more information, contact: Elaine Lucero at 530.345.5864, ext. 311, or 530.345.5666.
JOHN BALMES HONORED WITH AWARD FROM COALITION FOR CLEAN AIR
Longtime American Lung Association of California volunteer and air quality activist John Balmes, MD, was recently honored with the Coalition for Clean Air’s Carl Moyer Award for Scientific and Technical Leadership. Every year, the Coalition recognizes individuals or corporations that advance the cause of restoring clean, healthful air to all Californians.
Dr. Balmes has spent his career conducting important studies on the health effects of air pollution. Over the years he has testified at countless state and national hearings on behalf of the American Lung Association. He regularly shares his expertise as a member of the American Lung Association of California’s Technical Advisory Group on clean air and serves as a volunteer media spokesperson, helping to raise public awareness of the connection between air pollution and health.
ASSOCIATION GRANTS NEARLY $700,000 TO LUNG DISEASE RESEARCH
Research offers hope to the more than five million Californians afflicted with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Recently the American Lung Association of California granted nearly $700,000 to lung disease research, funding 12 scientists in California who are conducting basic research into the mechanisms of disease and 20 Asthma Clinical Research Centers across the country.
The association awarded $340,000 through its peer-reviewed scientific research program, including one Pulmonary Nurse Scholarship. More than $353,000 went to support the American Lung Association’s nationwide network of Asthma Clinical Research Centers, including one at the University of California, San Diego. It is the country’s largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma.
Funded studies focus on lung cancer, tuberculosis, emphysema, lung transplant rejection, pulmonary fibrosis, and the effect of air pollution on the airways.
For more information, view the news release at http://californialung.org/press/060925Research.html
TELL A FRIENDForward this e-newsletter to friends, family and business contacts. Encourage them to subscribe for free at http://www.californialung.org. Signing up is easy. Just enter your e-mail address at the upper left corner of the Web site homepage below the logo.
ASTHMA WALKS
Join an Asthma Walk team or start your own and help raise awareness and support for asthma. To learn more and find a walk near you, visit http://californialung.org/press/030925asthma.html
Vote “Yes” on Proposition 86
Save lives. Tax tobacco.
www.yesonprop86.com
